Hypovitaminosis D; in children in the absence of significant clinical symptoms and signs

Objectives: to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in children under 12 years of age in the absence of significant clinical signs and symptoms in an ambulatory care settings

Study Design: descriptive study

Settings and duration: this study was conducted in Pediatric out Patient Department of KAUH from June 2013 to June 2014

Materials and methods: patients attending the pediatric clinic in KAUH Riyadh, KSA, from June2013 to June 2014, in which 287 healthy children under 12 years were enrolled. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH] D] were measured .X ray wrists were taken for radiological evidence of rickets. 25[OH] D levels <50 ng/mL and <25 ng/mL were defined as insufficiency and severe vitamin D deficiency, respectively

Results: a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is observed in healthy children even in absence of clinical signs and symptoms. The problem should be highlighted and there is a need to create awareness among people about the etiology of vitamin D deficiency and its prevention.There is a strong need for long term planning including populationscreening, dietary supplementation with vitamin D and food fortification

Bronchiolitis with montelukast; to determine improvement in symptoms in 02 months to 02 years old children

To assess the efficacy of montelukast in children with bronchiolitis. Experimental-Preventive. Pediatrics department Allied/DHQ hospital affiliated with Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, from 1[st] Nov 2007 to 30[th] April 2008. One hundred children of bronchiolitis were studied in two equal groups, group A and group B. To group A montelukast along with symptomatic treatment was given. Group B was given only symptomatic treatment. The criteria of treatment efficacy was taken as number of symptoms free days and nights, bronchiodilator rescue therapy, duration of hospital stay and complications like worsening of symptoms, ventilatory support and side effects of drug therapy. Symptoms free days were increased in group A as compare to group B [P value = 0.000] whereas duration of symptoms free nights were significant numerically but not statistically. There was a significant reduction in exacerbations [P = 0.046] and use of rescue therapy [beta 2-agonist] in group A. Leukotriene receptor antagonist [LRTA] reduced the duration and severity of lung symptoms in children with Bronchiolitis

Comparison of serum zinc levels between healthy and malnourished children

To compare serum zinc levels of healthy and malnourished children. Prospective study. Department of Pediatrics and Dermatology Allied/DHQ Hospital Punjab Medical College Faisalabad between July 2006 to September 2006. Serum zinc levels of 150 children between the ages of 2 months to 14 years of either sex were studied, out of which 75 hospitalized children were suffering from malnutrition while 75 healthy children were taken as control from the outdoor. Both groups were further divided into three age groups 2 months to 4 years, 5-10 years and 11-14 years. Verbal consent was taken from all the parents. All the details of children were enrolled on a specific proforma designed for the study. No ethical issue was involved. Malnourished children were classified and sub-grouped according to modified Gomez classification. Serum zinc levels were measured at HiTech Laboratory, Agriculture University, Faisalabad by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, the most widely used and reliable method. The mean serum zinc level of 75 healthy children was found to be 99.97 micro g/dl [Standard Error +/- 10.2] while mean serum zinc level of 75 malnourished children was 51.2 micro g/dl [ +/- 1.14]. The children suffering from 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree malnutrition were 22, 27 and 26 in number with a mean level of 56.36 micro g/dl [ +/- 2.26], 51.56 micro g/dl [ +/- 1.89] and 46.46 micro g/dl [ +/- 1.36] respectively. Statistical analysis of data was done by calculating P-value with analysis of variance of serum zinc level for degree of malnutrition, age and sex. It showed that serum zinc level of malnourished children is significantly low [P-value = 0.001]. There is a significant difference of serum zinc levels between healthy and malnourished children especially in children with diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. This signifies a proper replacement of zinc as part of management of malnutrition and also during disease process